Not another! Robshaw on casualty list
Now Robshaw joins England casualty list
CHRIS ROBSHAW has been sidelined for up to eight weeks after having knee surgery, ruling him out of England’s four autumn internationals. The news comes as another huge blow to head coach Eddie Jones, who is without seven likely starters as he prepares to name his squad tomorrow for the November Tests at Twickenham against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia. The loss of former captain Robshaw, 32, will be keenly felt with fellow back-rower Billy Vunipola also ruled out after breaking an arm for the third time this year. Robshaw suffered the injury for Harlequins against Saracens earlier this month. Meanwhile, Wales coach Warren Gatland has named Leicester winger Jonah Holmes, who previously played for England Under 20s but is eligible for selection through his Welsh grandmother, in the squad for their autumn Tests.
ENGLAND’S injury curse struck yet again yesterday when Chris Robshaw was ruled out of the autumn Tests with a knee injury.
The Harlequins flanker had surgery and will be out for up to eight weeks. The news is another blow to Eddie Jones, who has seen his selection plans go up in smoke.
Robshaw suffered the knock against Saracens 11 days ago, and did not play in the Challenge Cup win against Agen last weekend. And now, a day after it was confirmed that Billy Vunipola has broken his arm for the third time in 2018, another experienced back-rower has fallen to injury.
Jones reveals his squad tomorrow morning for next month’s Tests at Twickenham against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia but will be without at least seven starters.
Losing Vunipola was bad enough but to be without Robshaw as well is a major setback. The 32-year-old may face criticism for a perceived lack of dynamism, breakdown expertise and all-court skill but Jones has remained loyal. Robshaw has played 23 of his 66 Tests under the Australian over three years, only missing the 2017 Six Nations through injury.
Jones must now draft in a rookie back row, having lost 119 caps-worth of experience in the space of a week.
Nathan Hughes is highly likely to be banned tonight when his disciplinary hearing resumes. He is charged with punching Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow in Wasps’ Premiership defeat 11 days ago, and also for tweeting ‘what a joke’ during last week’s proceedings, which had to be paused due to his social media complaints. Exeter’s Sam Simmonds requires up to nine months of rehabilitation after a knee injury.
None of the likely inclusions in tomorrow’s squad — Brad Shields, Tom Curry or Mark Wilson — has more than five caps while Michael Rhodes, sure to be called up, is uncapped. That dearth of experience may open the door to in-form Ben Morgan. The Gloucester No 8 won the last of his 31 caps three years ago when England exited the World Cup against Australia.
James Haskell, who has not been tearing up trees for his new club Northampton, is another wise head if Jones feels he cannot afford to throw in an entirely new back row.
Quins confirmed the Robshaw news last night. Quins head of rugby Paul Gustard said: ‘We are hugely disappointed to lose Chris for a short period of time while he recovers from this injury.
‘I am sure he would have featured strongly in Eddie Jones’ plans. Knowing Chris’ character and resilience I am confident he will make the most of this opportunity and come back even better and stronger.’
Jones’ injury issues keep coming. He will be praying that Mako Vunipola is fit. His premier prop injured his calf for Saracens against Glasgow on Sunday and an update is expected today.
Centre Alex Lozowski last night faced two disciplinary charges for dangerous play — one a tackle, the other a clear out — after he was cited following that match.
Joe Launchbury, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Dan Robson, Ellis Genge, Beno Obano and Jack Willis are all injured, Ben Te’o has yet to play this season, Jonny May is carrying a shoulder knock and Joe Marler opted for a surprisingly early retirement.
England cannot afford any more setbacks before the Springboks arrive on November 3.